Theatrical shade for enclosing an outdoor movie screen



Aug. 19, 1958 F. E. WEDEKING 2,847,722

THEATRICAL SHADE FOR ENCLOSING AN OUTDOOR MOVIE SCREEN Filed Jan. 22, 1954 1 N VEN TOR.

FME Welakz' ATTD RNEYE United States Patent THEATRECAL SHADE FOR EN CLOSING AN OUTDUOR MOVIE SCREEN Fred E. Wedeking, Gary, Ind.

Application January 22, 1954, Serial No. 405,616]

2 Claims. (Cl. 201.'12)

This invention relates to photographic equipment, and more particularly to a theatrical shade for enclosing an outdoor movie screen at a drive-in theater.

The object of the invention is to provide a theatrical shade which will permit people to see movies duringthe day as well as at night, and wherein the present invention will also serve as protection for the outdoor screen.

Another object of the invention is to provide a shade which will enhance the beauty of outdoor theaters as well as provide increased income for the owner of the theater since performances can be shown during the day as well as at night.

A further object of the invention is to provide a theatrical shade which is extremely simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, and in which like numerals are used to designate like parts throughout the same:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the theatrical shade, with parts broken away and in section.

Figure 2 is a rear elevational view of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the shade.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 44 of Figure 1.

Referring in detail to the drawings, the numeral designates a vertically disposed back wall, and extending from opposite sides of the back wall 10 and arranged angularly with respect thereto is a pair of side walls 11 and 12. A concave or curved roof or top wall 14 is provided, and these walls and roof define a housing which encloses a picture screen 15. The picture screen 15 is arranged contiguous to the inner surface of the back wall 10, Figure 1, and the picture screen 15 can be supported in any suitable manner.

For supporting and maintaining the walls of the housing in their proper spaced position, a plurality of posts 16 may be provided, Figure 3, and for supporting the roof 14 there is provided a plurality of curved trusses 17. Suitable tie beams and purlins 18 may extend transversely with respect to the trusses 17 for providing additional support for the roof and walls. The front portion of the housing is provided with a shield 19, Figure 4, in order to further protect the screen 15 from adverse weather conditions. The lower edge of each of the side walls 11 and 12 is inclined as at 20, Figures 3 and 4, and the purice pose of having the lower edge 20 inclined is to have the bottom of the side walls conform to the usual sloping grade of outdoor theaters.

From the foregoing it is apparent that there has been provided a theatrical shade which can be made of any suitable material such as steel. The shade is positioned over the outdoor movie screen 15 so that people can see the movies during the day as well as at night. Also, the shade serves as protection for the outdoor screen. The housing can be made of galvanized corrugated sheeting and the lower portion 20 of the wings 11 and 12 are sloped to the grade of the ground. A suitable framework can be provided for supporting the picture screen 15. The galvanized roof 19 may be coated with black durable material to prevent any light or reflection of light, and the shade of the present invention will enhance the beauty or attractiveness of the outdoor theater as well as provide increased income due to the extra performances it will make possible. Also, on a moonlight night the picture will be plainer due to the dark shadow reflection that will be given to the screen. Also, it will provide a great convenience to people who must or wish to attend an earlier performance as when they have smaller children.

I claim:

1. In a theatrical assembly for an outdoor movie, a housing embodying a vertically disposed back wall, a pair of side walls arranged angularly with respect to said back wall and extending from opposite sides thereof, a curved roof extending between said side and back walls and secured thereto, the front of said housing being open, a plurality of curved trusses extending between said side walls for supporting said roof, a plurality of tie beams arranged at right angles with respect to said trusses and secured thereto, a picture screen arranged within said housing and positioned contiguous to said back wall, said screen being smaller than said back wall, the lower edges of said side walls being inclined, and a shield on the upper front portion of said housing.

2. In a theatrical assembly for an outdoor movie, a housing embodying a back wall, side walls. extending from opposite sides of said back wall, a roof extending between said side and back walls and secured thereto, the front of said housing being open, a plurality of trusses extending between said side walls for supporting said roof, a plurality of tie beam secured to said trusses, a picture screen arranged within said housing and positioned contiguous to said back wall, said screen being smaller than said back wall, and a shield on said housing.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,419,281 Macbeth June 23, 1922 1,467,224 Borg Sept. 4, 1923 1,704,275 Badel -1 Mar. 5, 1929 1,812,219 Reed June 30, 1931 1,909,537 Hollingshead May 16, 1933 2,058,179 Rommert Oct. 20, 1936 2,146,103 Williamson Feb. 7, 1939 2,332,059 Cheshier Oct. 19, 1943 2,560,878 Kyle et al. July 17, 1951 2,642,825 McElhone et al. June 23, 1953 

